Local News

MTA Strikes Tentative Deal with Union

The MTA and the union representing 34,000 subway and bus workers have reached a tentative deal on a new contract.

The contract will provide workers with 1 percent retroactive raises for 2012 and 2013. They receive a 2 percent pay hike for 2014, 2015 and 2016. Overall, that means an 8 percent wage increase over 5 years. Employees would also get maternity and paternity leave.

In exchange, workers will pay more of their health care costs.

"What we have here is a fair wage settlement for our employees," Tom Prendergast, MTA Chairman and CEO, said.

Workers had been without a contract for more than two years. Governor Andrew Cuomo was called in to help broker a deal.

"There will be no fare increases due to this contract negotiation and it is in keeping with the MTA's long term financial plan," Governor Cuomo said.

The deal must still be approved by the MTA board and the union workers.